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3 Keys for Michigan Football to beat Michigan State

By Adam Childs

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 16: Khaleke Hudson #7 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammates and the Paul Bunyan Trophy after a college football game against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 44-10 over the Michigan State Spartans. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 16: Khaleke Hudson #7 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammates and the Paul Bunyan Trophy after a college football game against the Michigan State Spartans at Michigan Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 44-10 over the Michigan State Spartans. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State Football: Rocky Lombardi
(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

2. Pressure Lombardi

At first glance, Rocky Lombardi’s numbers look good. He threw for 319 yards on 31-of-43 passing with three touchdowns. But if you dig deeper you find those two interceptions one of which led to a Rutgers touchdown and the other effectively ending the game.

The Spartans only rushed for 50 yards on the game so he needed to try and win the game with his arm and he did enough to do that, but the turnovers just killed him.

While the Wolverines struggled at times stopping the run against Minnesota, they should be able to slow the Spartan attack. This then leaves the game in the hands of Lombardi and the Wolverines need to make his life uncomfortable.

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The secondary for the Wolverines is still learning, but the front seven of Michigan is experienced and looks good and they need to use that against the Spartans. They need to overwhelm the Spartan offensive line and get pressure on Lombardi.

Rutgers only had two sacks and one pressure against Lombardi and he for the most part was able to take advantage of the time, but again still threw two interceptions.

Imagine the mistakes the Wolverines can cause if they get pressure on Lombardi as they did against Tanner Morgan and Minnesota. Michigan had five sacks and seemed to be pressuring Morgan all game long and didn’t let him get into any kind of rhythm.

Michigan needs to do that and get Lombardi to get happy feet in the pocket and help out the secondary. With the struggles the Spartans had running the ball, if Michigan can pressure Lombardi it should be a great game for the Wolverines.

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